US cuts Bangladesh tariffs to 19% in trade deal
Dw.Com2 days
US-Bangladesh Trade Deal Cuts Tariffs to 19%
Is the U.S.-Bangladesh trade deal a win-win for bilateral relations or a devastating blow to India's garment and cotton industries?
Above: U.S. and Bangladeshi delegations after the signing of the U.S.-Bangladesh Agreement on Reciprocal Trade in the White House, Washington, D.C., on Feb. 9. Image credit: @USTradeRep/X
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The U.S.-Bangladesh trade agreement is a significant win for their bilateral economic relations and strategic partnership. Crucially, the agreement is most beneficial for producers based in both nations, with the U.S. agreeing to cut tariffs on Bangladeshi goods and textiles. In return, American goods will gain expanded market access and new opportunities in Bangladesh.
Pro-India narrative
This agreement is nothing short of a slap in the face for India. By granting Bangladesh zero-tariff access to the U.S. for textiles using American cotton or fibre, the deal fatally undermines both India's garment industry, which is still subject to 18% tariffs, and the cotton industry, with Bangladesh now incentivized to reject Indian-grown cotton in favor of its American counterpart.
Metaculus Prediction
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0